Dec 6, 2022

Oil is the lifeblood of your car and the key to its longevity. It keeps all the moving parts lubricated and running smoothly, which helps prevent damage and premature wear. Oil also helps to reduce friction and minimize unnecessary loss of power, keeping your engine cool and running at its best. Over time, however, oil breaks down and becomes less effective. That’s why it’s crucial to change your oil regularly and use the correct type of oil for your car.

But with so many different types and oil brands on the market, it can be challenging to know which one is right for your car, especially if you’re not a car expert. If you drive a Nissan Altima, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a helpful guide to choosing the best oil for your Nissan Altima and keeping it running like a dream for years to come. We’ll also discuss why it’s essential to change your oil regularly and why using the proper type of oil is critical for maintaining your car.

Nissan Altima
Image Courtesy of Nissan Newsroom

What Kind of Oil Does a Nissan Altima Take?

A complex machine like a car needs high-quality oil to keep it running properly. For your Nissan Altima, we recommend using fully synthetic motor oil for peak performance. Go for an oil with a viscosity rating of 5W-30 and make sure it meets or exceeds the standards set by the American Petroleum Institute.

What Is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is an artificial oil that’s more durable and effective than natural, conventional oils. It’s often made from various chemicals and additives that combine to create an oil that can withstand extreme temperatures and protect your engine against wear. Full synthetic motor oil helps keep your Altima’s engine as close to a new condition as possible, even as it ages.

Benefits of Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for a good reason. This manufactured product offers many advantages over regular oil, including the following:

  • Longer oil life: Synthetic oil is more resistant to breakdown and will last longer than traditional motor oil, so you won’t need to change it as often. In fact, synthetic oil engines have been shown to last up to 30% longer than traditional oil.
  • Increased engine life: Synthetic oil helps to reduce wear on engine parts and extends the overall life of your engine.
  • Better viscosity in extreme temperatures: Whether freezing cold or blisteringly hot, synthetic oil maintains its viscosity better than conventional oil, providing superior protection for your engine.
  • Eco-friendly: Because it lasts longer and breaks down less over time, synthetic oil creates less waste. In addition, many synthetic oils are made from recycled materials, so they have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional oils. As a result, using synthetic oil can help you reduce your impact on the environment.
  • Improved fuel economy: Because it’s more efficient, synthetic oil can help improve your car’s gas mileage.

Why Is It Important To Change Your Oil Regularly?

Even the best oil breaks down over time and becomes less effective. That’s why it’s important to change your oil regularly, according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. Depending on how frequently you drive and the conditions you typically drive in, that may be every 5,000 miles or so. However, it’s always best to check your car’s owner’s manual for the most accurate information.

If you don’t change your car’s oil regularly, the engine will eventually overheat and malfunction. Furthermore, dirty oil can cause a build-up of deposits on engine components, leading to increased wear and tear. Ultimately, neglecting to change your car’s oil can shorten the engine’s lifespan and lead to costly repairs. So, keep up with your oil changes to avoid any serious issues down the road.

How To Care for Your Vehicle

Caring for your car doesn’t stop with changing the oil. To keep your Nissan Altima running its best, you should practice good car care habits, such as the following:

  • Washing and waxing the exterior regularly to protect the paint job.
  • Vacuuming and shampooing the interior regularly to keep it clean and free of dirt, dust, and other allergens.
  • Checking and inflating the tires regularly to ensure they’re properly inflated and not wearing down too quickly.
  • Addressing any problems or issues as soon as they arise to prevent them from becoming worse.
  • Checking the tires frequently for proper inflation and tread depth.
  • Having the engine tuned up and regularly inspected by one of our qualified mechanics.
  • Checking the fluid levels regularly and topping them off as needed.
  • Regularly cleaning the undercarriage to prevent rust and corrosion.

Why Get Your Nissan Altima’s Oil Changed at Reiselman Nissan?

We know you can choose where you take your car for service. That’s why we strive to provide the best possible experience for our customers every time. When you bring your car to us for an oil change, you can expect the following:

  • Factory-trained technicians: Our painstakingly trained and certified Nissan technicians know your vehicle best. They’ll ensure the job is done right the first time, so you can avoid any future issues and expensive repairs.
  • High-quality, original equipment manufacturer-approved parts and fluids: We only use genuine Nissan parts and fluids that are specifically approved for your vehicle. That way, you can be sure they’ll fit correctly and work as intended.
  • Competitive pricing: We understand times are tough, and you have to watch your budget. That’s why we offer competitive pricing on all our services, so you can get the quality care your car needs without breaking the bank.
  • Convenient scheduling: We also know you’re busy, and finding time to bring your car in for a service can be tough. That’s why we offer convenient online scheduling, so you can choose a time that works best for you. You can schedule your appointment online at any time, day or night.

If you’re due for an oil change, or it’s been a while since your last one, simply bring your car to Reiselman Nissan in Kansas City, Missouri. We’ll change your oil quickly and efficiently, so you can get back on the road and carry on with your life. We’re also your go-to source for new and used Nissan models, so be sure to check us out if you’re in the market for a new ride. We look forward to serving you.